In a significant boost to Nagpur's urban infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has laid the foundation for two major road projects, assuring citizens of durable, pothole-free travel for decades. The minister made the announcement during the bhoomipooja ceremony held on Monday for the crucial road concretisation works.
Massive Investment for Durable Road Network
The centrepiece of the development is the comprehensive rebuilding of the vital 6.14-kilometre stretch from Zero Mile to Automotive Square. This corridor, part of the old NH-44 on the Nagpur-Jabalpur route, will be transformed into a high-quality cement concrete road at a cost of ₹150 crore. Gadkari emphatically guaranteed the longevity of this work, stating, "No potholes will be created on this stretch for the next 25 years because we are building a good-quality road."
Simultaneously, an equally ambitious project will upgrade the 6.1-kilometre Central Avenue, from Poddareshwar Ram Mandir to Pardi Square, at an identical cost of ₹150 crore. This upgrade will involve concrete white-topping and a complete revitalisation of footpaths.
Focus on Modern, Multi-Modal Infrastructure
Gadkari highlighted that these are not mere road-widening exercises but efforts to build a holistic urban transport ecosystem. "While constructing them, we are ensuring proper drainage systems, well-designed footpaths, and dedicated cycle tracks so that the city gets a modern and safe road network," he explained. This integrated approach aims to cater to pedestrians and cyclists alongside vehicular traffic, promoting sustainable mobility.
In a lighter vein, the minister addressed the persistent issue of footpath encroachments, joking with Nagpur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari. He remarked on the unusual dynamic where officials sometimes face political pressure regarding encroachments. However, Gadkari clarified that any removal of encroachments would be done sensitively, with alternative locations being provided to affected vendors.
Additional Projects to Ease Nagpur's Traffic
Beyond these two major corridors, Gadkari announced further approvals to decongest the city. A substantial ₹560 crore flyover between Police Line Takli and Katol Naka has received the green light. This flyover is expected to significantly alleviate traffic bottlenecks in the area upon completion.
The minister also addressed the long-standing design flaw at the LIC Square flyover landing, admitting to a planning error. He revealed that MahaMetro has prepared three alternative designs to rectify the problem, with one set to be finalised soon. Funding for this correction has already been allocated through the Central Road Fund.
These collective projects, representing a massive infusion of capital into Nagpur's road infrastructure, signal a transformative phase for the city. The focus on cement concrete construction, coupled with ancillary facilities like cycle tracks and footpaths, underscores a shift towards building resilient and user-friendly urban roads designed for the long term.
